FAQ

How do I change the battery?
Standalone electronic locks require AA or AAA batteries. How long the batteries will last will depend on the frequency of use. For example, an entry level electronic push-button door lock will run approximately 80,000 operations on two AA batteries; a more advanced electronic model will require four AA batteries giving it over 200,000 operations. The batteries are housed in the inside lever handle plate, accessible by removing the battery cover held in place with a small screw or Allen bolt. As there is no need to remove the lock from the door, it only takes a minute or so to change the batteries.

How many codes can I have?
Mechanical push button locks operate using a single four-digit code, so the number of code permutations is counted by the thousand. Mechanical locks only allow each digit to be used once, so, for example, the code 2244 could not be used. Electronic digital locks provide over a million four-, five- or six-digit length codes allowing multiple code combinations, with the ability to delete, suspend, and restore these codes via a master code. Electronic locks may also shut down for a short period of time after three incorrect code attempts. Having more code combinations and an incorrect code function reduces the chance of anyone guessing the combination.

How often do I need to change the code?
Regular code changes will ensure that the locks remain an effective tool for restricting access. Codes should also be changed whenever it is felt that security has been compromised. Most mechanical push-button locks have to be removed from the door before the code can be changed, which takes around 10 minutes to complete. Codes on electronic push-button locks can be changed while the lock is in situ on the door, which takes only a few seconds.

Our leading mechanical lock, the CL600, features quick change – it is one of the only mechanical locks that allows a code change without the lock being removed from the door!

What are release functions?
Electronic push-button locks can be connected to a building’s alarm system to automatically free the lock so the door can be opened without the code in an emergency situation. This is often a requirement in public buildings like hospitals, for example, so that rooms can be quickly checked for occupancy in the event of an emergency. Electronic locks can also be connected to a release button to allow staff to ‘buzz’ in a visitor. This feature can be useful in a reception area of an office building that uses an intercom system on the front door.

What is code-free mode and when would it be used?
‘Code-free’ mode or ‘hold-open’ mode is useful when you need to restrict access to a sensitive area out of hours, while allowing free movement without the need to enter a code during the day. One example where ‘code-free’ mode might be used is in a science lab at a university. Staff could open the lab in the morning by entering the code and then put the lock into ‘code free’ mode so that the students can come and go during the day. At lunchtime or at the end of the day access to the lab can once again be restricted.

What should I consider before buying a pushbutton lock?
Before purchasing a lock it is worthwhile examining where and how it will be used and what features it should have. Entry level locks are suitable for light volumes of traffic, whereas heavy duty locks are more robust and are designed for higher volumes. Push-button locks are available in a number of different finishes, such as stainless steel or brass and have either knob or level handles. Some locks have a back-to-back facility, where the push button digits are on both sides of the door. Key override, which allows the use of one key to access multiple locks, is a useful function where facilities managers or maintenance personnel need regular access in a building that has many locks all with different combinations.

What types of push-button locks are there?
Push-button door locks have been on the market for over 20 years and there are now many different products available to suit a variety of access control needs. Push-button locks are either mechanically or electronically operated and can be used as primary locks on internal and external doors. The locks can be fitted to most types of door, including aluminium, wood, even glass. There are push-button locks that can be easily fitted in place of existing key cam locks supplied as standard on a wide range of lockers, cabinets and cupboards. The locks enable the user to implement a quick and cost-effective solution to the problem of unauthorised access and can be fitted as and when needed, one door at a time.

Why should I use push button locks?
Push-button locks are often bought to replace locks with keys. Key management can be a major concern for facility or estates managers looking after large public buildings, like hospitals or universities, for example, where you have large numbers of people constantly moving around. Keys inevitably get lost or stolen, so new keys have to be issued and locks have to be changed, which takes time and money to manage on a large scale. Push-button door locks do away with the need for keys.